Rio Ferdinand hits back at Patrick Vieira’s claim that refs favour United

The war of words between Manchesterâs fierce title rivals has been cranked up to new levels with Rio Ferdinand hitting back at Patrick Vieiraâs latest verbal volley.

War of words: Rio Ferdinand (Picture: Getty)

Vieira, now football development executive at the Etihad, claims United get preferential treatment from referees.

Last week the former City and Arsenal star ventured that Sir Alex Fergusonâs decision to tempt Paul Scholes out of retirement smacked of desperation â a snipe Ferguson countered by claiming City boss Roberto Mancini was theÂ desperate one for fielding rebel striker Carlos Tevez again.

But after referee MichaelÂ Oliverâs refusal to give Fulham a last-minute penalty at Old Trafford on Monday, Vieira said: âWhen United play at home they get some advantage that other teams donât get.

âWhen you go to United, Madrid, Barcelona or Milan, itâs always difficult for the ref to go against these teams.

âItâs something the teams who are used to winning get all the time, so we need to win games so we have this advantage in the future.â

But United defender Ferdinand hit back on Twitter, writing: âWhy is Viera so concerned with Man Utd….2 comments in a week or so….câmon maaaaaan let it go.â

However, City later claimed Vieiraâs views had âbeen deliberately taken out of contextâ in his interview with the BBC.

The club did not deny Vieira had made the comments at the Soccerex conference in Manchester, but added: âPatrick Vieira has expressed his disappointment and anger at what he feels is a serious and cynical misrepresentation.â

Vieira himself declared: âIâm very angry,â before accusing the BBC of showing âa complete lack of respect for meâ.